I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did go.
There I met a fair young maiden,
And whose name I did not know.

Well, her hair was dark of color,
Cheeks they were a rosy red.
On her breast she wore white lilies,
Where I longed to lay my head.

I'd rather live in some dark holler
Where the sun would never shine,
Than for you to love another,
And to know you'd never be mine.

I don't want your greenback dollar,
I don't want your silver chain;
All I want is your love darling,
Say that you'll be mine again.